As the new world bring modern ships carrying cargo, the old world remains with workers carrying cargo unto wooden dhow ships; continuing the traditions of old trade that lasted for centuries. The dhow ships are very colourful, with stashes of bright orange and blue, mixing with the natural colours of the wood. The cargo includes not just traditional commodities like spices but also modern appliances like television, refrigerators etc. The journey on the sea takes one and a half days from Dubai to Iran or Oman . The workers, from Iran and Pakistan, works and live on the ships for months before they go ashore. Typically they rest a week on either side of the port before the ship goes back to the sea. The photos are taken during the day when the workers are loading the cargo, resting during the mid-day and during the night. Thanks to two Iranian ship captains, I had the opportunity to go on-board two ships and get a more intimate look at how they live. At the background the Al Bastakiya Mosque is overlooking the port and seemingly looking over the workers constantly day and night.
(All images taken by Ricoh GR)
